Every section of new watermain in Grimsby's Downtown Reimagined project has now been installed, the Town of Grimsby said, clearing the way for paving to begin on Main Street West and Christie Street later this month.
Weather permitting, paving is scheduled to start Sunday night, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. and is expected to take roughly two shifts to complete.
To accommodate the work, the Main Street and Christie Street intersection will be closed overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., reopening each morning until the paving is finished.
Once paving wraps up, Mountain Street between Elm Street and Main Street is also expected to reopen to traffic. That stretch has been closed to through traffic, with a detour in place.
What's left on the watermain
Crews worked day and night shifts this week to finish the remaining watermain and service work along Main Street and Christie Street, according to the town. With Christie Street now complete, all of the project's new watermain has been officially installed.
The new watermains on Elm Street, Main Street East and Rossmore Avenue passed their pressure tests this week, which allows disinfection and bacteria testing to begin in the coming days, with final connections to follow.
Starting Thursday, Nov. 12, crews will swab the remaining new watermain on Mountain Street, Main Street and Christie Street before pressure testing it.
Workers also began sanitary lateral repairs on Mountain Street between Elm Street and Main Street. Both crews return to day shifts next week to finish that work, which is expected to wrap up by the end of the week.
Traffic reminders
Drivers are being asked to follow the designated detours in the local traffic plan, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time through the construction area.
Heavy trucks travelling between Mountain Road and the QEW must continue using the regional truck detour, which routes Hamilton-bound traffic via the Red Hill Valley Parkway and Mud Street West, and Grimsby-bound traffic via Mountain Road and Mud Street East/West.
Businesses open through the holidays
The town is reminding residents that downtown businesses remain open while construction continues, heading into a holiday season with several events on the calendar.
Submissions for the Mayor's Holiday Greeting Card Contest are due Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m. The town tree lighting takes place Thursday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. outside Town Hall, followed by the Fantasy of Trees at the Grimsby Museum from Nov. 26 to Dec. 6.
The Santa Claus Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5:15 p.m., and the Grimsby Museum Holiday Market runs Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents can find the full traffic plan and detour maps, or subscribe to construction updates, at letstalkgrimsby.ca/dr-construction. Questions can be sent to DTreimagined@grimsby.ca.
